Result of Service

Improved strategic coherence and evaluability of NOWPAP’s delivery for 2026-2029/30 through the corresponding Programmes of Work (PoW) and the development of a finalized Mid-Term Strategy for the period 2026-2029/30 that reflects lessons learned, incorporates stakeholder inputs, and strengthens alignment with Regional Seas and global policy and indicator frameworks. Prior to finalization, a draft MTS 2026-2029/30 have to be widely discussed in the region with NOWPAP’s member states and key stakeholders and take into account their recommendations. 1. Inception and Analytical Framework The consultant shall: Undertake an inception phase to confirm, with the RCU, the purpose, scope, key questions, methodology, consultation approach, and feasible timeline for updating the NOWPAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), and establish an analytical framework that draws on lessons from prior MTS reviews and relevant UNEP/Regional Seas and global policy frameworks. 2. Desk Review and Evidence Collection The consultant shall: Compile and assess evidence through a focused desk review of strategic, operational, institutional, and technical documentation from NOWPAP and its RACs, complemented by relevant UNEP/Regional Seas corporate and regional guidance and selected global frameworks informing oceans, biodiversity, pollution, and ocean governance agendas. 3. Consultations with Stakeholders The consultant shall:

Engage key stakeholders through consultations/interviews (as agreed with the RCU) to validate evidence, capture perspectives on performance and relevance, and identify priorities and practical considerations for implementation, including Member States, RACs, RCU, UNEP/Regional Seas staff, and selected partners and subject-matter experts. 4. Strategic Alignment and Gap Analysis Based on the desk review and consultations, the consultant shall: Analyze strategic alignment and gaps by assessing the coherence of NOWPAP’s current and proposed strategic direction with applicable global and regional commitments, UNEP subprogrammes, and Regional Seas Strategic Directions and indicator frameworks, and by identifying key gaps, overlaps, and opportunities to strengthen NOWPAP’s comparative advantage. 5. Updating the NOWPAP Medium-Term Strategy 2026-2029/30 The consultant shall develop and refine the updated MTS 2026-2029/30 by revising and strengthening the MTS structure and content (vision, mission, objectives, programme components), clarifying thematic and cross-cutting areas and enabling elements, defining expected outcomes and implementation considerations, clarifying institutional roles and responsibilities (RCU, RACs, intergovernmental bodies), and strengthening the alignment with relevant indicator frameworks. 6 Validation, Revision and Finalization The consultant shall: Support validation and finalization of the updated MTS by facilitating review/validation steps with the RCU, RACs, and selected stakeholders, incorporating feedback through revisions, and delivering the final MTS package (including executive summary and annexes) together with a concise presentation summarizing the updated strategic directions and the development process.

Work Location

home based

Expected duration

One year

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Action Plan for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region (NOWPAP) is one of the Regional Seas Programmes and Action Plans (RSPAPs) of UNEP and was adopted by the four Member States (P.R. China, Japan, R. Korea, and the Russian Federation) in 1994 (https://www.unenvironment.org/nowpap/). The overall goal of the NOWPAP is "the wise use, development and management of the coastal and marine environment so as to obtain the utmost long-term benefits for the human populations of the region, while protecting human health, ecological integrity and the region’s sustainability for future generations". To support assessment of NOWPAP’s performance under the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2018-2023, a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) and a Mid-Term Review (MTR) process were initiated and discussed by the Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM). While these processes generated valuable findings on implementation progress, achievements and constraints, they also highlighted the need for further refinement of strategic objectives, indicators and institutional alignment. A Mid-Term Review and a subsequent comprehensive review of the MTS 2018-2023 were completed, identifying key lessons learned and areas requiring strategic adjustment. In parallel, a draft MTS 2025-2030 was developed to reflect evolving regional priorities and alignment with UNEP and the Regional Seas Strategic Directions. Recent UNEP Regional Seas analytical work highlights the importance of aligning the Programmes of Work of Regional Seas Conventions (RSCAPs), including NOWPAP, with the global legal instruments and emerging developments mentioned above. By fostering greater coherence with global frameworks, Regional Seas initiatives can better contribute to overarching international conservation goals and ensure that regional strategies effectively support global marine and coastal sustainability efforts. In addition, establishing robust baselines and harmonizing quantitative and qualitative indicators will enhance the effectiveness of these programs and track progress towards marine and coastal conservation and restoration targets. Against this background, NOWPAP requires an updated, forward-looking Medium-Term Strategy for the period 2026-2029/30 that:

Builds on lessons learned from the MTS 2018-2023 review;
Consolidates and refines the draft MTS 2025-2030;
Aligns fully with UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026-2029 and Regional Seas Strategic Directions;
Integrates global commitments and indicator frameworks (GBF, UNEA Resolutions, SDGs, Plastic treaty, Regional Seas indicators, other relevant instruments);
Provides a robust strategic and results framework to guide NOWPAP’s PoW, partnerships, and resource mobilization. An international consultant is therefore required to support the RCU in updating and finalizing the NOWPAP MTS 2026-2029/30. The consultant will work with the NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) to complete the assigned work.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline. First university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of programme/project management and coordination, planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities, including:

Demonstrated international/regional consulting experience in and/or professional background in the marine sciences and/or ocean governance. A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience is required. Previous experience in the region is advantageous
Substantive experience in reviewing and evaluating international environmental projects, preferably those involving United Nations development agencies and/or other major donors, experience with UNEP-coordinated Regional Seas Programme is an advantage
Good English writing and communication skills and demonstrated ability to assess complex situations in order to succinctly and clearly distil critical issues and draw well supported conclusions
An ability to assess policy and governance framework and institutional capacity
Understanding of governance, political, economic and institutional issues associated with transboundary water issues, specifically in the Northwest Pacific region is an advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of one of the NOWPAP languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian) is an asset.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

MTS International Consultant for NOWPAP MTS 2026-2029/30 Update